Interpersonal Communications Final

How do you answer interview questions?

S = Situation (context)

T = Task (goal/problem)

A = Action (what YOU did)

R = Result (positive outcome)

What is EVT?

Expectancy Violation Theory

People have expectations for behavior

When violated → notice it more

Can be positive or negative

Depends on relationship + situation

What is rich vs lean communication?

Lean: text, email → no nonverbal cues, hard to interpret

Rich: in-person → lots of nonverbal cues, clearer meaning

Best way to break up?

In-person (richest)

Reasons:

Clearer message

Shows respect

Allows emotional understanding

Example of cultural value/norm?

Individualism: focus on self

Collectivism: focus on group

Shapes how people communicate

What is interpersonal communication?

Interaction between people with:

Uniqueness (each relationship different)

Interdependence (affect each other)

Self-disclosure (sharing personal info)

Intrinsic rewards (emotional benefits)

What are the steps of perception?

Selection → what grabs attention

Organization → categorize info

Interpretation → assign meaning

What is URT?

Uncertainty Reduction Theory

We reduce uncertainty when meeting people

Types:

Cognitive: thoughts/beliefs

Behavioral: actions

Strategies:

Passive (observe)

Active (ask others)

Interactive (direct communication)

Difference between self-concept and self-esteem?

Self-concept: how you see yourself (“I am quiet”)

Self-esteem: how you feel about it

What are the 4 parts of Johari Window?

Open: known to self & others

Blind: others know, you don’t

Hidden: you know, others don’t

Unknown: no one knows

How does self-disclosure relate?

Sharing info → increases open area

What is RDT?

Relational Dialectics Theory

Relationships have opposing tensions

Example:

Connection vs autonomy

Can be:

Internal (between people)

External (influenced by others)

What is cognitive complexity?

Ability to see situations in multiple ways

More perspectives = better understanding

What are the Four Horsemen?

Criticism

Contempt

Defensiveness

Stonewalling

What is FCP?

Family Communication Patterns

Based on:

Conversation-oriented (open talk)

Conformity-oriented (same beliefs)

Types:

Consensual (high both)

Protective (high conformity)

Pluralistic (high conversation)

Laissez-faire (low both)

What is SET?

Social Exchange Theory

Relationships = rewards vs costs

Stay if rewards ≥ costs

Comparison level (CL): what you think you deserve

What is a fallacy?

Irrational thinking → illogical conclusions → negative feelings

What is conflict?

Struggle with:

incompatible goals

limited resources

interference

(Styles not listed in notes, so stick to definition)

How do words affect responsibility?

“I” → takes responsibility

“You” → blame, causes defensiveness

“But” → cancels what came before

“We” → shared responsibility